Artists' Advisory Panel

The Artists’ Advisory Panel has been established to identify and consider issues facing Victorian contemporary artists and to provide recommendations and advise Contemporary Music Victoria Inc. (Music Victoria), including its Committee of Management, in relation to appropriate activities in accordance with Music Victoria’s strategic plan.

Chelsea Wilson (Chair)

Chelsea Wilson is a Melbourne based vocalist, broadcaster, DJ and producer with over 12 years music industry experience. Her debut soul-inspired album 'I Hope You'll Be Very Unhappy Without Me' was lauded #2 Album of the Year on ABC Radio National and nominated for Best Soul album at the Age Music Victoria Awards 2014, leading to performances including Glastonbury Festival UK and the headline spot on the Arts Centre stage at the Australasian World Music Expo. Her behind the scenes roles have included Concert and Events Licensing Representative at APRA|AMCOS and Music Manager at PBS 106.7FM. Currently Chelsea is the Artistic Director of Stonnington Jazz Festival and Music Programmer of Brunswick Music Festival. Passionate about independent media she produces and presents radio programs 'Jazz Got Soul' (PBS) and 'The Australian Soul Sessions' (Mi-Soul London). She also curates the 'Women of Soul' performance series. A member of the Women in Music Panel she is also chair of the Musicians Advisory panel for Music Victoria. She holds a Masters Degree of Arts and Entertainment Management, a Bachelor of Popular Music and a Diploma in Entertainment Business Management.

Laura Imbruglia (Secretary)

Previously most well-known as a musician (with 3 albums and countless tours under her belt), in recent years, Laura has been at the helm of the beloved variety webseries "Amateur Hour". She's appeared on panels across Melbourne to offer advice on crowdfunding and grant writing, and is passionate about empowering, educating and galvanising musicians. Laura has also been known to DJ and host music trivia around Melbourne, and hosts the occasional pop up radio show "Word Nerds" on 3RRR. She's still making music too (naturally).

Peter Knight

Australian trumpeter/composer/sound artist, Peter Knight, is a multidisciplinary musician who has gained wide acclaim for his distinctive approach, which integrates jazz, experimental, and world music traditions. Peter’s work as both performer and composer is regularly featured in a range of ensemble settings, he also composes for theatre, creates sound installations, and is the Artistic Director of one of Australia’s leading contemporary music ensembles, the Australian Art Orchestra.

Jake Mason

Jake Mason is a Melbourne based ARIA-nominated songwriter, producer, educator and touring artist with over twenty years experience in the Australian music industry. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts the multi-instrumentalist and prolific songwriter has released twelve albums; gained platinum sales in Australia; and established his own label and production house.

Syrene Favero

A creative power-house, Syrene ("Screamy") has been heavily involved in the music industry for nearly 20 years across multi-genres. Studying Performing Arts in NZ then relocating to Melbourne to study a Bachelor of Music Business, she wears many fancy hats from, singer, writer, recording artist, music producer and event management to artist development, film production and artistic direction. Thriving in the environments of collaborative projects, community based movements and creative solutions, flying incognito most of the time.

Cheyenne Harper

Cheyenne Harper is a musician and performer based in Melbourne. Beginning her career performing and touring with Melbourne band ‘Teeth and Tongue’ for 2 years, Cheyenne has now ventured into her own powerful solo project ‘King IV’, performing regularly at festivals around Australia, whilst writing for some of Australia’s best producers and artists alike.

Dave Newington

Dave Newington has a strong connection to the Victorian Music network and its artists.

Raised in Central Victoria and alumni of The University of Melbourne, Dave is a session pianist and music director across contemporary, indie, theatrical, jazz and classical genres. His performing experiences range from high profile international touring, right through to the immerging artist.

His work in Music Copyright Management at APRA AMCOS provides unmatched insights into a variety of music business environments, with composers at the heart of the cause.

His musical and administrative relationships extend to designated live music venues, performing arts centres, local and state government, the education sector, community organisations, cinema and television.

With a great love for our music network, Dave continually looks for ways he can advocate for all practitioners in our industry.

Derek Atkinson

Des is a Management Consultant by trade with a background in political science and development, having worked with a multitude of non-governmental organisations and intergovernmental bodies including the United Nations. In his spare time, he runs his own music label (Flapjack Industry Records) and is band manager, producer, songwriter and performer with Melbourne alt-rockers Miles Recommends.

Lloyd Spiegel

With 9 albums, a swag of awards and almost 30 years on the road, Lloyd Spiegel is trailblazer at the forefront of modern blues and one of this country's most respected guitarists, recently being named in Australian Guitar Magazine's list of the top 50 Australian guitarists of all time.

A touring artist since age 11, the 7 time Australian Blues Award winner has one of the most unique stories in music. His show blends jaw-dropping guitar expertise with a commanding voice, powerful song writing and storytelling that delivers a complete concert experience, launching him onto theatre and festival stages across the globe.

An advocate for Australian Blues, Spiegel has been ambassador to the Australian Blues Music Festival as well as the Youth In Blues program. He also worked with 'Blues in the schools' in the USA and has acted as mentor and producer to dozens of up and coming musicians who have gone on to become well known artists in their own right.

Monique diMattina

She has released seven albums - recording in New York, China, New Orleans and Coburg - and is known for her regular Triple R and ABC Radio segments, writing bespoke songs to listener requests.

Monique lectures at the Victorian College of the Arts, is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Melbourne, holds a Master of Music Performance, Bachelor of Letters and Bachelor of Music Performance, and performs regularly with her own band, Rebecca Barnard, Harry James Angus (Cat Empire), and Clare Bowditch.

Tim Dalton

Tim Dalton has 38 years international music industry experience as an audio engineer, record producer, A&R Consultant, studio owner, artist manger and record company executive. Tim has worked with Faith No More, Public Enemy, Beastie Boys, Run DMC, Primus, David Bowie, Sir Paul McCartney, Simple Minds, Elvis Costello, Atomic Kitten (sorry about that one), Finley Quaye, Transvision Vamp and a heap of other bands. Over the past 25 years, in parallel, Tim has worked in the higher education sector in music and creative arts in the UK, Europe and Australia. Tim was one of the founders of Sir Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts (LIPA) and has conceptualised, written and validated a number of undergraduate and post-graduate music degrees. Over the past decade, Tim has been an external examiner in the UK and Europe for the Higher Education Funding Council. Tim relocated to Melbourne in 2013 where he has been an active writer and advisor for music education policy.

Leah Healy

Leah Healy comes from an events and project management background with a strong passion for working with musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. In 2008 she completed Bachelor of Arts in Music Business and has since worked in various festivals and events around Australia.

Since 2009 she has worked with Victoria’s iconic world music presenter, The Boite looking after an extensive list of national and International artists through the Boite World Music Cafe program and various choir projects. At bold performing arts company, Outer Urban Projects, she was responsible for mentoring and engaging young emerging artists in training and paid work opportunities in the arts. In her solo career, Leah has worked as an event producer, artist manager, booking agent and tour manager.

Leah was previously an industry judge for Best Global Act in The Age Music Victoria Awards, and is currently co-presenter of 3CR’s world music program, Music Sans Frontieres.